The Palm Beaches Real Estate NEWS: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Short take: Palm Beach County is shifting toward balance. Prices are steady to slightly down in many sub-markets, homes are taking longer to sell, inventory has grown, and buyers have more room to negotiate—especially on condos—while luxury single-family is still moving. That’s opportunity for prepared buyers.

“What I see every day is buyers choosing Florida not just for the weather, but for the way of life. From thriving downtowns to quiet coastal pockets, people feel like they can plant roots and really enjoy their homes.  — Annette Greenwald, Broker of  Royce United Real Estate 

Quick Market Snapshot (August 2025)

• Median sale price (countywide): $475,000 (-1.8% YoY)

• Median days on market (DOM): 88 days

• Closed sales: ~2,000 in August; single-family sales up ~2% YoY

• Months’ supply: SFH ~5.2 months; Condos ~9 months

• Cash share: ~46% of closings

• Luxury pulse: Palm Beach island condo median $1.85M in Q2; DOM ~127 for luxury listings

The Good

1. Buyers finally have leverage—without losing fundamentals. Longer marketing times, more negotiation room.

2. Inventory is higher than last year. Active listings rose ~10% YoY.

3. The “best week to buy” is coming up: October is expected to be more buyer-friendly with more listings.

4. Long-term growth tailwinds remain: population migration, job growth, lifestyle amenities.

The Bad

1. Affordability is still a hurdle. Mortgage rates remain elevated.

2. Condos face financing friction: fewer buildings with favorable financing status, more down payment requirements.

The Ugly

1. Bid-ask gap is real. Some sellers still stuck on 2022-2023 pricing.

2. Micro-markets are moving very differently. Luxury & condo vs single-family, island vs inland—strategy matters.

Where Deals Are Happening Now

• Condos or townhomes that need updates / in buildings without amenities or approvals.

• Single-family homes on market 60-120+ days in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach.

• Luxury $1M+ homes: still doable if you come in with clean terms and fast closing.

Why It’s Still a Great Time to Buy in Palm Beach County

1. Timing + Selection: more inventory, less competition.

2. Negotiation Power: longer DOM, wider bid-ask spreads.

3. Macro Tailwinds: migration, job growth, lifestyle appeal.

4. Wealth Building: value gains are real over long term.

Neighborhood Notes

• West Palm Beach urban core: resale sellers must be sharp.

• Boca Raton & Delray Beach: strong demand, amenities, good long-term growth.

• Island of Palm Beach: premium pricing, luxury buyers; patience needed for listings requiring work.

Pro Tips to Win

• Get fully underwritten, not just pre-qualified.

• Focus on listings 30-120+ days on market.

• For condos, check building reserves, special assessments, insurance, financing status early.